We often tend to assume our homes are cleaner than the outside world. However, this is only sometimes the case regarding indoor air quality. The summers can get hot in Jacksonville, Florida, with humidity levels increasing significantly. This creates the perfect conditions for the growth of mold, mildew, and dander, which can compromise indoor air quality, resulting in health problems.
An effective way to deal with the overwhelming humidity and improve indoor air quality is by getting a dehumidifier. It removes moisture from the air, eliminating the conditions needed for the growth of mold and mildew. This ensures your home is safe and more comfortable.
At McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we are dedicated to ensuring your home is a haven of comfort with our heating and cooling services. Continue reading to see how having a dehumidifer can benefit your home.
What Is a Dehumidifier and How Does It Work?
A dehumidifier is designed to reduce the humidity level in your home. It works by drawing in moist air, cooling it, and collecting the condensed water vapor. This process helps maintain an optimal indoor humidity level, typically between 30% and 50%.
Simply put, a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. By passing the air through a cold coil, it causes the water vapor to condense, filter, and drip into a reservoir. Excess humidity in indoor air is harmful and can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and even structural damage. By installing a dehumidifier, you can effectively combat these problems and improve your indoor air quality.
Benefits that Dehumidifiers Can Offer
A dehumidifier offers numerous benefits, from improving safeguarding your health to improving the level of comfort in your home. Here are some more benefits dehumidifiers offer:
- Mold Prevention: High humidity levels create the perfect breeding ground for mold. A dehumidifier can help keep your home dry, making it less inviting for mold to thrive.
- Allergy and Asthma Relief: Lower humidity reduces dust mites and allergens. Those with allergies or respiratory conditions can find this particularly beneficial.
- Comfort: Excessive humidity can make your home feel muggy and uncomfortable. A dehumidifier can help create a more pleasant living space.
- Energy Efficiency: When the air is less humid, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home, which could potentially lead to energy savings.
- Preservation: Dehumidifiers can help protect your valuable possessions, such as books, artwork, and electronics, from moisture-related damage.
- Odor Control: Dehumidifiers can help reduce musty odors throughout the home.
Signs of Poor Air Quality
It can be difficult to determine the quality of your indoor air. However, the following indicators are a good sign your indoor air quality needs improvement:
- Musty Odors: Lingering, musty, or damp smells can indicate the presence of mold or mildew.
- Excessive Condensation: Frequent window condensation or water droplets on surfaces can indicate high humidity.
- Visible Mold: Any visible mold or mildew growth is a clear indicator of moisture issues.
- Allergy Symptoms: If you or your family experience increased allergy symptoms indoors, it might be due to poor air quality. The allergies can include eye, nose, or throat irritation, headaches or fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
If you notice any of these signs, consider reaching out to our team at McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning to learn how we can help you improve your indoor air quality.
Professional HVAC Services Available in Jacksonville, FL
Investing in a dehumidifier can make a significant difference in your indoor air quality. It can help create a safer, healthier, and more comfortable living environment. With McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning, you can take the necessary steps toward making your home fresher, cleaner and safer. Contact us today for more information.
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